India’s engagement with the East Asian Community (EAC) forms a crucial part of its “Act East Policy”, which aims to deepen strategic, economic, and cultural ties with East and Southeast Asian countries. The EAC, emerging from the framework of ASEAN Plus Six, includes 18 countries such as India, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and the 10 ASEAN members. It was institutionalised through the East Asia Summit (EAS) launched in 2005, where India has been a founding member.
India views the East Asian Community as a platform to:
- Promote regional stability, maritime security, and the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
- Strengthen economic integration, trade, and investment cooperation with dynamic economies.
- Build partnerships in infrastructure development, energy security, climate change, and capacity-building.
- Reinforce strategic balance by supporting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and opposing unilateral territorial claims.
India’s support for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was cautious due to concerns over trade deficits and market access, and it opted out in 2019. Nevertheless, India remains committed to regional engagement through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Grammar Tip: Use of prepositions like “through,” “with,” and “in” adds clarity in diplomatic and economic contexts.